Your toothbrush is an important part of keeping your teeth clean, but it’s important to remember to replace it. You should plan on getting a new toothbrush every few months. This helps ensure that you have a brush that is able to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove traces of food.

Why Do You Need to Change Your Toothbrush?

Brushing your teeth two or three times a day leads to wear and tear on the bristles. Although this is a sign that you’re cleaning your teeth regularly, it also means that your brush has a harder time doing a good job. Bristles can become bent or worn down as you brush your teeth on a daily basis. If you have had an orthodontist fit you with metal braces, your toothbrush can experience even more wear and tear as you try to brush around them. When your toothbrush can’t clean your teeth properly, plaque can build up and lead to tooth decay.

When Do You Need a New Toothbrush?

Check your toothbrush on a regular basis to look for signs that you need a new one. These signs include broken bristles or bristles that stick out in different directions. If you have had your toothbrush for at least 3 months, you should plan on getting a new one. If you wear metal braces, keep in mind that you might end up with bristle problems in a shorter amount of time.

How Can I Keep My Toothbrush in Good Condition?

You can protect your toothbrush by thoroughly rinsing it off after using it and standing it up in a holder. Wearing removable Invisalign braces instead of metal ones also helps reduce wear and tear on your toothbrush bristles.

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry

Brushing your teeth is a great daily habit, but not letting your toothbrush dry is a bad habit to get into. Your toothbrush can become ineffective or even bad for your teeth when you don’t give it a chance to dry after you use it.

Problems with Wet Toothbrushes

Letting water sit on your toothbrush bristles can increase the risk of damaging them. Your bristles eventually become worn down with regular use, but leaving them wet might speed this up. A toothbrush with damaged bristles can’t clean your teeth effectively. This means you have a higher risk of developing tooth decay as plaque builds up on teeth surfaces. Keep in mind that when you or your children wear metal braces fitted by an orthodontist, this risk of plaque buildup from improper cleaning can be even higher.

Not allowing your toothbrush to dry also means that you’re creating a potential breeding ground for mold. Using a toothbrush with mold growing on it is unhygienic and harmful for your teeth. When you’re not giving your brush time to dry, you could also be leaving bits of food sitting on the bristles or between them. When you brush your teeth, you’re exposing them to this decaying matter and increasing your risk of bringing germs into your mouth.

Letting Your Toothbrush Dry

Storing your toothbrush properly allows it to dry completely. Leave it in an upright position in a cup or other holder that lets it air out. Make sure you rinse it off before each use to make sure no germs are on it. When you or your children have metal braces or Invisalign to straighten teeth, it’s even more important to ensure that you’re using a clean toothbrush at all times.

Learn How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly

If you have the habit of beginning to brush you teeth in the same location each time, then make a change today. After you put a dollop of toothpaste on a toothbrush, you will begin to brush your teeth while moving the toothpaste over your teeth and gums. When you always begin brushing in the same location, those teeth get a full dose of fluoride while other teeth get less. You probably use the same routine to brush your teeth without realizing it, but you can make a change by using your other hand to brush or keeping a record of how you brush your teeth.

Orthodontic Treatments That Will Straighten Your Teeth

In addition to brushing your teeth in a new way, don’t forget to visit an orthodontist to determine if you need treatment. If you are having problems removing the debris from your teeth with brushing, then you might need to straighten your teeth with Invisalign aligners or braces. The best time to undergo orthodontic treatment is at a young age to repair the bones in the mouth in addition to your teeth, but more adults also want to straighten their teeth.

Call Us Today

When you are looking for a knowledgeable orthodontist in Ohio, call Papandreas Orthodontics in Ohio. Dr. Samuel Papandreas has two state-of-art facilities to choose from in these cities:

• North Royalton – 440-582-8585 • Brunswick – 330-558-9092

Our orthodontist offers a variety of treatment for children, teenagers and adults, and you might need to wear these devices to repair your malocclusions:

Forgetting to brush the inner surfaces of your teeth is a major mistake that can lead to you having bad breath, gum disease or cavities. The best way to correct this bad habit is to begin your daily oral hygiene by brushing the interior surfaces of your teeth first before switching to the front surfaces of your teeth. You may need to practice in front of a mirror in order to turn the toothbrush in the correct direction while brushing. In addition, make sure that your children also brush the interior surfaces of their teeth by placing a mirror at a lower level on the wall in their bathroom.

Straightening Your Teeth Makes Daily Oral Hygiene Easier

If you have crooked or closely spaced teeth, then brushing the interior surfaces of your teeth is difficult. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to determine if you have mild, moderate or serious malocclusions of your teeth. When you have misaligned teeth, an orthodontist will recommend Invisalign aligners or braces. The amount of time required for orthodontic treatment varies depending on your problems and the type of devices that you must wear. While wearing orthodontic devices, you must continue to brush both the backs and fronts of your teeth to prevent decay and halitosis.

Chances are, if you’re like most people, you start by brushing the front of your teeth. That makes sense – it’s the first thing people see. The problem is we get lazy when it comes to brushing molars, chewing surfaces and the back of the teeth. If that’s you, it’s time for a change.

A More Effective Clean

If you’ve ever watched your kids clean, you know they start out with enthusiasm and it wanes. They also pay close attention to one area. The same goes for their teeth. Even if they’re brushing for the recommended two minutes, the most time and attention is given to the starting point. The same is true for adults.

For kids with braces or an invisalign, tartar and build-up can get missed, particularly if they start in the same place every time. Talk to your orthodontist to identify problem spots and encourage healthy brushing techniques. Make sure you practice them, too!

Toothpaste is stronger

Your toothpaste is at its most effective when you start brushing. It loses its strength while brushing. Constantly starting in the same place prevents an even clean. Mix up your starting place! Begin in the back, or in an odd place so it’s never the same. Also, brush gently at a 45 degree angle to avoid damage to your invisalign and future gum complications. You want your teeth to get the most out of your brushing time.

Starting at the same place every time you brush your teeth is bad news for your mouth. Instead, spend about 20 seconds on each part of your mouth for an all-over clean. Find silly games to play with kids to teach healthy tooth habits.

Help Others Smile

Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas is an excellent orthodontist in North Royalton and Brunswick, who provides a variety of specialized orthodontic treatments such as:

Tooth Brushing Mistake Number 6: Starting in the Same Place Every Time

https://drpapandreas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo-dr-papandreas.png00Dr. Samhttps://drpapandreas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo-dr-papandreas.pngDr. Sam2016-08-18 10:00:002016-08-23 01:50:21Tooth Brushing Mistake Number 6: Starting in the Same Place Every Time

Since your kids were little, you probably have emphasized the importance of brushing their teeth. Whether you set up a rewards system or a timer to encourage good brushing habits, toothbrush and toothpaste have an important place in your house. However, brushing alone is not enough; you must encourage your kids to use the proper technique.

The Problems

If you don’t follow a recipe, the food does not come out right. The same is true with teeth. If your kids are constantly brushing them the wrong way, they are not getting all of the benefits associated with brushing. They might miss build-up that can lead to disease, decay and infection. Also, some kids might brush their teeth too aggressively, causing damage to their mouths.

Speak to the Orthodontist

Trying to follow online videos might give you some hints as to what your kids are doing wrong when they brush their teeth; however, the best way to learn the proper methods is to ask the orthodontist. If you have awhile before your kids visit again, call to find out if you can schedule a short appointment to address this issue. The sooner your kids start to brush properly, the more proactive they can be in their quest for optimal dental health.

Brushing and Braces

When your kids have braces, whether traditional ones or Invisalign, they need to know how to brush without irritating the structures. Also, they have to learn how to clean their teeth despite the fact that they have gear on them. Speaking with the orthodontist about proper methods for brushing with braces or Invisalign is imperative for kids who have these types of gear.

Help Others Smile

Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas is an excellent orthodontist in North Royalton and Brunswick, who provides a variety of specialized orthodontic treatments such as:

Though you may believe that you’ve got excellent brushing technique, you may in fact be treating your teeth and gums to a workout that they simply don’t deserve. While everyone wants pearly white teeth and healthy pink gums, allowing the toothbrush bristles to do the majority of the work is always the best course of action. Brushing with too much pressure can actually irritate the gums and cause previously healthy areas to become swollen. Seriously inflamed gums can make chewing painful, especially when salty, crunchy snacks are being enjoyed. Reputable orthodontists offer the following tips so that the worst problems can be avoided:

Recognize that thorough brushing is better than hard brushing

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or switch to a quality electric toothbrush

Do not squash the bristles of the brush against the teeth

Speak with your orthodontist about brushing with braces

Preserving Enamel

By brushing twice each day and avoiding harsh strokes, you can also preserve your enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the teeth. The enamel keeps the teeth looking pearly white and also prevents the yellow dentin underneath from becoming exposed. If hard brushing has already worn away some of the enamel, your trusted orthodontist can likely fix the problem by adding bonding material to specific locations within the mouth.

Brush Twice Each Day

Brushing two times each day should be enough to remove the plaque, which is actually quite soft. If you’ve been in the habit of brushing three or even four times per day, you may be doing more harm than good. By limiting your brushing to once in the morning and once in the evening before you go to bed, you can remove nearly all of the plaque that has become bound to your teeth.

Help Others Smile

Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas is an excellent orthodontist in North Royalton and Brunswick, who provides a variety of specialized orthodontic treatments such as:

Life can be busy, and more often than not, we might be rushing through our daily activities. When it comes to oral hygiene, however, it is important to devote adequate time and focus, especially while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Since braces can easily trap food particles, careful and correct brushing is imperative to avoid dental problems down the road.

Am I Brushing Long Enough?

Probably not. If you and your kids are rushing to get out the door in the morning, there’s a good chance you are skimping on tooth brushing time. A minimum of two minutes should be spent every time you brush. Get in the habit of setting a timer. You may find that two minutes feels like forever, but it’s important to devote enough time to ensure a proper cleaning. To make things more fun, find a toothbrush timer app for your cell phone. If you don’t want to bother with timers or phones, try singing the ABC song in your head, slowly, four times. This should get you to the two-minute mark and it’s as easy as ABC!

Am I Brushing Often Enough?

Braces, wires and bands are really good at trapping food particles; therefore, it is important for orthodontic patients to brush frequently. Thorough brushing is recommended after every meal and snack. Four times per day should be the minimum: • After breakfast • After lunch • After dinner • Before bed

Keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in a handbag, backpack or locker will come in handy for kids who are on-the-go or at school. If unable to brush after a meal, rinsing thoroughly with water can help until you are able to brush properly.

Help Others Smile

Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas is an excellent orthodontist in North Royalton and Brunswick, who provides a variety of specialized orthodontic treatments such as:

Too many people ignore the importance of using the right toothbrush. What is good for someone else may not be good for you. You need a toothbrush that is the right one and not just good. It is important to choose quality bristles to improve your teeth and gums.

Review All Options

There are different types of toothbrushes, so there are different types of bristles. Review all of the options first. There are more varieties than you know if you bother to look.

Choose Softer Bristles

The best option is to choose bristles that are soft yet firm. You do not want to strip the enamel right off the teeth. Harsh bristles do not clean the teeth better if they strip the nutrients right off. Use soft bristles that are firm and not too soft. Be gentle on your teeth, but too much gentleness does not clean.

Natural vs. Nylon

There are two major types of bristles: natural and nylon. The natural bristles are usually harder and less likely to be tested on teeth. The nylon bristles are more likely to be tested for safety and efficiency. Regardless of the material, make sure the bristles are soft to the touch.

Reviews

Look over the customer reviews of every toothbrush you like. Reading reviews is very important for anyone in need of the perfect product. Make sure there are enough reviews for each product. A good product has twice as many good reviews as bad ones. Take note of any mention that the reviewers make about the toothbrush bristles.

Help Others Smile

Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas is an excellent orthodontist in North Royalton and Brunswick, who provides a variety of specialized orthodontic treatments such as:

Over a lifetime, the average American spends 1,000+ hours brushing their teeth. Choosing the right toothbrush for the job isn’t as easy as it sounds–there are literally thousands of options. Which one is the best choice for you?

Consequences of Using the Wrong Toothbrush

Choosing the wrong toothbrush can have serious consequences, including:

Comfort

Size is another important consideration. Choose a toothbrush with a head size that easily fits in your mouth and brushes one or two teeth at a time.

Powered vs. Non-powered

While the effectiveness of a toothbrush depends more upon how you brush), powered toothbrushes are a good choice for anyone who needs extra assistance (or motivation) to brush. For example, people with mobility-limiting conditions like arthritis greatly benefit from a powered toothbrush’s ease of use. They’re also be a good choice for people with braces, or who have uneven or misaligned teeth, for whom a thorough cleaning is a lot more challenging.

Replacing your Toothbrush

A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush when the bristles begin to look frayed or worn–usually every three months or so, sooner if you’ve had an illness. Worn toothbrushes don’t clean your teeth properly.

Help Others Smile

Dr. Samuel G. Papandreas is an excellent orthodontist in North Royalton and Brunswick, who provides a variety of specialized orthodontic treatments such as:

Dr. Papandrea says one in a million he is a wonderful orthodontist very patient very kind explains everything in detail I would recommend him to any one of my family members. He did an amazing job with my son's braces the staff is also very helpful. He made the whole process very easy. Thank you dr. Papandrea is for everything you have done for my son and his confidence with his teeth. Sincerely, Stacy

The second I walked in for the first time, I knew I was in good hands. I was greeted by the friendly smile of the woman at the front desk where she then showed me how to check in whenever I come. My mom and I met with Dr. P and he examined me and decided what would work the best for me personally. He was very straightforward with everything and always had a sense of humor. After starting treatment they were very exact with their instructions and everybody politely answered every question my mom and I may have had. It was incredible to see what Dr. P’s office is capable of and everything that goes into orthodontics and how much pride they all take in their work. I specifically went to Dr. P because of his reputation with Invisalign and I know I was getting the best care available and my results reflect that perfectly. Not only is Dr. P amazing, but so is his entire staff. The woman in charge of financing was very helpful and my mom always said how nice she was. Dr. P's assistants are all so energetic and are always wondering what is going on in my life with high school and sports. Everybody always made me feel like I was at home and I always found myself laughing. The office itself is always decorated according to what is going on at the time whether it is around a holiday or the Warriors happen to blow a 3-1 lead or the Indians make it to the World Series and the music the office plays is always very enjoyable, nothing ever annoying. Overall, I can’t imagine myself having gone anywhere else and I can honestly say I tell all my friends to go to Dr. P as well.

Dr. Papandreas always took personal care of me throughtout my use of Invisalign. He was true to his word and his expertise gave me the smile I wanted without traditional braces. I highly recommend him.